BACKPACKER Editors & Contributors

Bask in the spray of these cascades at the end of a long day's hike.

Dreaming of a long, long walk up the spine of the West Coast with a few good friends? Here's what you need to know.

Think carrot sticks are just for school lunches? Then you clearly haven't enjoyed the crunch of fresh veggies on the trail—a luxurious, healthy backwoods snack.

There's a lot of outdoor misinformation out there, and we're on a quest to quash it.

Backpacker's editors and testers have best testing the best gear on the market for decades—and these are our all-time faves.

From powdered eggs to fresh apples to entire sausages, here’s the chow that keeps us going.

From a section of the Oregon Coast Trail to an Alaskan backcountry adventure, these were our editors' favorite trails this year.

Give back to the community that's given us so much by supporting these four great organizations.

Forget a new tent: Backpacker's editors sound off on the trips they'd like someone to buy them in 2023.

Some advice doesn’t age well. It’s time for an upgrade.

Despite their eponymous appearance, cow chips, a rich cookie, taste divine.

Feeling entranced by the cosmos? See the heavens like you've never seen them before by getting deep into the wild.

Dayhikes are wonderful, but you’ve decided to make the leap and sleep outside. No car, no campground, just you, your hiking partner, and a tent. Here’s how to pull off your first backpacking trip without a hitch.

Several hikes share a confession, and we're here to dole out penance—and advice.

From the northern lights to glacial crevasses, science meets spectacle in these fascinating features.

Have a tale from the AT? We want you to give us a call—literally.

Those familiar aches that arise from hauling a heavy pack can force you into bad posture and take all the fun out of hiking. Fight load fatigue by strengthening the muscles that surround your spine, hips, and shoulders

These filtration systems will keep you from becoming high and dry in the backcountry.

Are you a flatlander headed for the mountains? Follow these tips from altitude expert Dr. Pete Clark to stay healthy on your next high-elevation trip.

Check out BACKPACKER Editors & Contributors's author page.

Drop pack weight while staying comfortable and protected with these shelters.

Stop dreaming, start hiking: From desert treks to waterfalls to heroic alpine ridges, we've picked the best hikes for every month.

Whether you want to hike 25 miles in a day or simply focus on the scenery and not your sore legs, getting fit before you hit the trail will improve your every step. We asked the pros how to get healthy—and stay that way.

Floods, falls, ornery wildlife: Find out if you have what it takes to survive a desert dayhike gone wrong.

Stay safe and move efficiently on loose, steep terrain.

Hear the story of the youngest adventurers ever to complete the Triple Crown in a calendar year, straight from the source.

Some parks will still require reservations.

With the help of our friends and readers, we set out to find the best trail in all 50 states. From epic thru-hikes to short jaunts, these were the ones that rose to the top.

Get a headstart with these workouts that hit every major muscle group.

Hiking isn’t just for the young. Take care of yourself and your body, and you can spend the rest of your life on the trail. It helps to have a plan: Avoid injuries and stay strong with this age-group-by-age-group guide to trail fitness.

It's like the old saying goes: there's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Get ready for whatever nature throws at you with this guide to layering strategy.

They were nearly America's national bird. This November, celebrate the humble turkey in its natural habitat.

Circle an upland swamp rich with views, solitude, and wild edibles.

Budget cuts made by the last presidential administration eliminated protections, leaving these endangered reptiles vulnerable.

The year’s biggest bear competition (literally) is here. See our predictions and pick your own winner.

Picture the Alps without the crowds, and you have Island Lake.

This supportive boot is primed for heavy packs and long miles.

This portable fire box makes campfire cooking safe and easy.

Backpacking is some of the best medicine for stress. Learning self-massage will give you an extra tool to help you leave your worries behind.

Almost entirely above treeline, this 6.5-mile day-hike loop cruises below rounded 12,000-foot ridges en route to Tobacco Lake in the heart of Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness.

Link pristine forests, wildflower meadows, and two picturesque lakes on this gentle, 3.7-mile hike near Snoqualmie Pass.

Follow this loop mixing on- and off-trail travel through vibrant wildflower displays and past snow-fed streams to a huge alpine lake with unbeatable campsite views of Mount Meeker.

A comfy sleeping bag, a top-of-class jacket, and more are among our favorite deals today.

Link two of Grand Teton's deepest and most spectacular valleys via a high pass.

This 10.5-mile out and back promises wildflower drenched meadows, stunning vistas, and two pristine alpine lakes perfect for a cold dip or sunrise photo op.

When we're burned out on sugary bars and jonesing for some quick calories to help us replenish our stores and re-up our motivation, we reach for one food above all others. Get your daily allotment with Backpacker's favorite cheesy recipes for everything from breakfast through dessert.

This double-wall tent feels downright palatial—and right now, it's available at a cut-rate price.

Wind through a chain of alpine lakes with spectacular views of Mts. Baker and Shuksan on this easy 6.5-mile overnight.

The longer you stay out, the more likely you are to see significant precip. You can get by with less protection in warmer weather, but in temps below about 65°F, you’ll need to suit up to stay safe. Here’s how to dress for the occasion.

Coming out of the woods tired and dirty is a rejuvenating experience. But it's possible to overdo a good thing. Take care of yourself on your next hike with these five simple quality-of-life hacks, and you'll reap the benefits.

Bringing a rocker on a car-camping trip is ultimate comfort. We asked readers for their thoughts on three new chairs from GCI.

You don’t need to travel far to try something new. Redline your state, see a celestial show, or get to know your local wildlife with these 8 ideas.

Get an ultralight tent, a tough pair of gloves, or a lightweight-yet-warm sleeping bag at a discount today.

Winter on the Appalachian Trail is blessedly crowd-free. Enjoy it on this classic day hike.

Cold fingers and toes cause quick misery in the backcountry. The key to feeling as warm as possible is keeping your digits toasty. Take care of your hands and feet and you’ll have a much more pleasant winter camping experience.

Make the most of the cold with six perfect picks, from jackets to tents to skis.

See the coast the way it was meant to be seen.

Fat Bear Week is upon us. Pick the chunkiest in Katmai National Park and Preserve for a chance to win.

Taking a dip in a backcountry lake? Stop and think about what you're wearing.

Get ready for fall with a sunshirt, a midlayer, and a do-anything shell.

Soaring bluffs and views to match make this an adventure worth going on.

Start your fall off in spectacular fashion.

Grab serious savings on GPS units, sleeping bags, lighting, and more.

It may not feel like it, but autumn is just around the corner.

We sent three of Merrell's newest trail runners and light hikers to BACKPACKER members and asked them what they thought.

Good conditions and better timing make this Washington spot a gorgeous place for photographs.

This rugged Michigan landscape is better than any treasure.

If you only have room in your budget for one pack, this jack-of-all-trades can handle almost everything.

Long days and big views make this a trip you'll never forget.